Dive Training Blogs

Protect your ears as the pressure builds: Barotrauma and other ear problems

Published

6 years ago

February 8, 2019

By: Gemma Smith

When you ask people who don’t dive what they think the most common type of diving injury is, the answer is usually ‘The Bends!’. If not this then at least an imagined tale of a Jaws-type marine monster attacking innocent divers one by one. The real answer is actually a lot simpler, and significantly less Hollywood. The most common injury you will encounter as a diver over a lifetime will be related to your ears.

The ears are an incredibly complex piece of our bodies. It is important we understand how to protect them. To do this, we need to first have a basic understanding of how they work. In very simple terms, the ear is actually formed from three areas: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear.

Outer Ear

The outer ear is what we see in ourselves and each other when we think of ‘ears’. It is made up of two parts, the pinna, and the ear canal.

Pinna

The pinna is the cartilaginous, flesh-covered flap located on each side of our heads. While the ear is incredibly multifaceted and involved, most of the clever design features are located internally. The pinna is actually the only part of the ear which is externally visible to us. Its job is simple but vital: to collect sound waves and channel them down the external ear canal. It also channels water into and out of the ear. Its cleverly engineered shape is not for nothing. Sound waves that are approaching us from behind are partially shielded by this outer fleshy area. This helps us to better determine the location the sound has come from. This is what helps us judge whether the origin of the sound is from behind or in front of us.

Ear canal

The ear canal is just a few centimetres long in adults and has a slight S-curve to it. The outer portion of the ear canal is covered by a thin layer of skin containing glands. These glands are responsible for the production of earwax. Thin hairs are also found covering the skin near the ear canal. It is this dynamic duo of tiny hairs and ear wax that is crucial in catching airborne particles. Dirt and detritus are caught before they have a chance to reach the middle and inner ear.

The Middle Ear

Following the twisting ear canal inwards leads us to the eardrum, more technically known as the tympanic membrane. It is this membrane that separates the middle ear from the outer ear. Within this middle ear are located the body’s three smallest bones – the malleus, incus, and stapes. As divers, this is the area we are most concerned with. It is this air-filled chamber that is more likely to give us trouble than anything else over the course of our diving life. Connecting our middle ear to the back of the throat are the Eustachian tubes. These little tubes allow us to keep the pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment equalised. This prevents any pain or discomfort from occurring. The underwater swallowing or yawning we see divers do is to allow this equalisation to occur.

The Inner Ear

Last, but definitely not least, we come to the inner ear. This is the part of the ear deepest within our bodies. Within the inner ear is the cochlea. This is the part of the ear actually responsible for hearing. It converts the vibrations from sounds into what we eventually hear. The cochlea is also noteworthy as it contains fluid-filled chambers. This can cause serious issues if any rupturing were to occur. The seeping of fluid from the inner ear to the middle ear is not something any diver would ever want to risk happening. Aside from the obvious discomfort, anything that causes us to feel dizzy or disoriented underwater is downright dangerous. This is just one of several reasons why you should never ever force equalisation to occur.

So now we understand all the main different components that make up our ears. From here we can start to look at the best ways to protect them. Diving puts us in a physically very different environment than the land-based one we are used to. By being aware of the risks and differences in this new world, we can greatly limit any possible issues that may occur. Let’s look at a few of the most common ear problems we may encounter when submerging:

Barotraumas

When we descend under the water, the most physically obvious difference to a diver is, of course, the pressure change. As we sink, the pressure of the water surrounding us increases. Any time the pressure around us changes, the chance of a barotrauma occurring rears its ugly head. Very simply, a barotrauma is any kind of pressure injury (baro comes from the Greek word for ‘pressure’, and trauma means ‘wound or injury’). If we don’t equalise as we go down then the pressure surrounding us increases while the pressure within our bodies stays the same. This causes an imbalance between the outer ear and the air filled chamber of the middle ear.

By gently pinching our noses and blowing, wiggling our jaw from side to side, or even just swallowing, we open our Eustachian tubes. As mentioned earlier, these tubes provide a direct link from the back of our throats to our middle ears. They are what allows us an easy equalisation of pressure. If we don’t do this, not only will it be painful, but we increase our chances of rupturing our middle ear with this pressure imbalance. Middle ear barotraumas are the most common injury in diving. They are also one of the easiest to prevent. Remember the golden rules:

Equalise carefully on the surface before you even start to descend. Continue gently equalising every meter/few feet of your descent. This is especially important when shallow and the greatest pressure differences are occurring.
Although most people learn the Vasalva technique when they first learn to dive (where you gently exhale against your pinched nose), it isn’t the right fit for everyone. There are other equally valid methods out there to allow you to equalise. Look at the Toynbee Maneuver (where you pinch your nose and swallow) or Frenzel Maneuver (where you pinch your nose and make the sound of the letter ‘K’). Don’t be afraid to try them if the Vasalva is just not working for you.
If you are struggling to equalise as you descend try rising a little and trying again. This lessens the pressure slightly and may be all you need to allow you to continue a slow and controlled descent. Some people also find that descending in a more feet down position allows for an easier equalisation.
Never ever force it.
If you have a cold of any kind give the dive a miss. Do not think decongestant will solve the problem. It is worth remembering that while most pressure injuries with ears occur on descent, there is also a pressure change when we ascend at the end of a dive. This is one reason to be very wary of taking any decongestants before submerging. The effects will most likely wear off before the end of your dive, and you will still need to ascend regardless. If the Eustachian tubes are now blocked then the expanding air in your middle ear, caused by the now lessening pressure on ascent, has nowhere to go. This is a reverse block, and can have painful consequences.
Without wanting to be the party-pooper in the room, smoking and alcohol are not good for you in any way as a diver. With regards to equalising, both of these things can irritate your mucus membranes. This can cause a blocking of your Eustachian tubes. Interestingly, for those of you having problems with your ears, consider cutting down on your dairy intake. Milk has been shown to increase the production of mucus. This may well be affecting your ability to comfortably equalise.
If you have any pain or discomfort in your ears after the first dive give any planned second dives a miss. There will always be more diving days in the future. Healthy ears are not so easily come by, nor damaged ears that easily fixed. If the pain or discomfort persists after the dive it is worth getting it checked out by a doctor. The peace of mind of knowing that everything is good with your ears is worth the time taken!

Infections

Ears are funny, twisty, labyrinthine parts of our bodies. As such they are sadly prone to detritus lodging in them. This is one cause of ear infections. While not always specifically a diving related problem, it is one that can be exacerbated by in-water time. Otitis Externa, for example, is an outer ear infection. This is generally caused by frequent time in the water. The water causes the cells which line your ears to swell slightly. This can create an opening for opportunistic bacteria to enter. Here they find a warm, damp, welcoming place to multiply. Left untreated this can cause pain and swelling all along the jawline.

Realistically, infections are something you want to get sorted as soon as possible. As someone who has, sadly, had several ear infections over the years, I can attest to the extreme discomfort one feels with such an infection. Luckily it’s usually an easy fix, with ear drops prescribed by a doctor clearing up all but the worst cases. If not then antibiotics may be required. It does, unfortunately, mean it is more prudent to stay confined to dry land until it is all sorted.

All of us have ear problems from time to time. If you are finding that constant equalisation or pain issues are regularly preventing you diving though, think about going to see a specialist. A doctor focusing on possible ear, nose, and throat (ENT) troubles may well be all you need to figure out what your body is not liking about your current regime. There are also various devices available now, such as masks which cover your ears as well as your eyes and nose. With tubes connecting all the air pockets so you can still equalise, this keeps water out of your ears and minimises infection risks. Never risk your ears, but, as with most things in life, there is normally a way around most problems. Take the time to speak to experts and look at possible lifestyle changes.

To find out more about International Training, visit www.tdisdi.com.

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International Training

From its humble beginning in 1994 to today, the group of training agencies Scuba Diving International (SDI), Technical Diving International (TDI), and Emergency Response Diving International (ERDI) form one of the largest diving certification agencies in the World – International Training. With 24 Regional Offices servicing more than 100 countries, the company today far exceeds the original vision the founders had when they conceived the idea on a napkin, sitting at a kitchen table in the early 1990’s.

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Jeff Goodman Launches Underwater Moviemaker Course with NovoScuba

Published

1 week ago

December 9, 2024

Team Scubaverse

Transform Your Dive Experiences into Cinematic Masterpieces

NovoScuba has partnered with acclaimed underwater filmmaker Jeff Goodman to introduce the Underwater Moviemaker Course—a revolutionary program designed to equip divers with the skills to capture the breathtaking beauty of the underwater world.

Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, an avid diver, or a photography enthusiast, this course offers the tools and expertise needed to create stunning underwater videos. From vibrant coral reefs to curious marine life, you’ll learn how to film, edit, and produce captivating underwater stories, all with expert guidance from a seasoned professional.

Jeff Goodman: A Legacy in Underwater Filmmaking

Jeff Goodman brings over 40 years of experience in underwater film production for television to this course. Reflecting on his career, Jeff said:

“Although technology has dramatically changed, the basics of underwater filming remain constant. This course covers crucial skills for producing great videos. Whether you’re creating professional broadcast films or high-quality hobby videos, the fundamental principles are the same.

A camera operator must master their equipment to capture those magical underwater moments effortlessly. But beyond technical know-how, underwater filmmaking is about having fun and enhancing your diving experiences. So, take your time, learn at your own pace, and enjoy this creative journey.”

About NovoScuba

Founded in 2023, NovoScuba is reshaping dive education with a comprehensive, digitally native platform. Offering cutting-edge training programs for divers at all levels, NovoScuba sets a new benchmark in the diving industry by combining innovation with accessibility.

With ISO-certified courses, a student subscription model, and multilingual support, NovoScuba ensures that dive education is inclusive and engaging. More than just a training provider, NovoScuba fosters a global community of divers committed to exploration, collaboration, and sustainability.

Join the NovoScuba Underwater Moviemaker Course Today!

Dive into the world of underwater filmmaking and start creating cinematic stories that inspire. Learn more about the course and enroll today at www.novoscuba.com/novoscuba-underwater-moviemaker-course.

EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Goodman interviews Mark Spiers, CEO of New Scuba Diving Training Agency NovoScuba

NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!

The diving world thrives on passion and adventure, but for many dive store owners, the financial and operational challenges can be as deep as the ocean.

NovoScuba, an emerging force in the diving world, is on a mission to transform this landscape for the better. With a revolutionary approach to dive store and training agency partnerships, NovoScuba is setting new standards for how dive stores can thrive while keeping their focus on delivering exceptional diving experiences.

underwater videography course

A New Paradigm: NovoScuba’s Bold Mission

NovoScuba’s mission is straightforward yet profound: to disrupt the traditional dynamics between dive store owners and training agencies. Traditionally, dive stores have been subjected to substantial fees charged by training agencies, for membership, materials and certifications. These costs have often placed a heavy financial burden on store owners, cutting into their profits and limiting their ability to offer competitive prices to customers.

NovoScuba flips the script by offering a model where dive stores earn money, instead of paying high fees. Dive stores receive commissions for every student they register, and their certification costs are covered. This new model not only boosts profitability but also ensures clients get top-quality training at unbeatable prices.

Financial Upsides: Earn From Student Registration

NovoScuba’s approach is simple yet revolutionary. Dive stores partnering with NovoScuba can earn commissions for every student they enroll.

Here’s how it works: For every student enrolled through NovoScuba, dive stores receive a commission. Each student enrolled will receive their e-learning materials and certification credit included in their subscription. This arrangement is a significant departure from the traditional model, where dive stores often struggle to manage high overhead costs related to training fees and certification expenses.

underwater videography course

NovoScuba’s approach ensures that dive stores can focus on what they do best—providing top-notch diving experiences—without being bogged down by excessive financial burdens, and the need to carry large stocks of materials.

Quality Training at a Great Price

NovoScuba stands out by offering high-quality, ISO certified, training that doesn’t break the bank, in fact our students will pay less than with most competing agencies. Clients benefit from top-notch education and safety standards at competitive prices. Dive store owners can confidently promote NovoScuba’s programs, knowing they’re offering fantastic training at affordable rates. This balance of quality and affordability helps dive stores build a strong reputation and attract more customers.

Your Brand is Your Business: NovoScuba’s Commitment to Showcasing Your Identity

At NovoScuba, we understand that your brand is your most valuable asset, and we’re committed to putting it front and centre. Unlike agencies that charge high fees to promote their own brand, we believe in investing in yours. With NovoScuba, you won’t be paying to advertise someone else’s logo alone, — our focus is on showcasing your unique identity. Certifications prominently feature your brand, as well as the training agency, reinforcing your store’s image and brand every step of the way. We’re here to support and elevate your brand, ensuring that your investment directly benefits your business.

Affordable Membership: An Investment in Your Success

NovoScuba’s membership model is designed with dive store owners in mind. Membership fees are kept low and include annual Pro member fees for your team. Payment can be made monthly or annually in your local currency, avoiding the hassle of exchange rate fluctuations. NovoScuba promises no exchange rate changes without a six-month notice, ensuring financial stability and simplifying budgeting. With a membership lasting 12 months from date of joining, you’ll enjoy a full year of NovoScuba’s benefits and support.

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Streamlined Operations: Simplifying Your Workload

Handling administrative tasks can be a challenge, but NovoScuba makes it easier. We’ve streamlined certification procedures and reduced paperwork to help dive stores operate more efficiently. Certification processing is quick and straightforward, allowing more focus on teaching and customer service. Our system minimises bureaucracy by storing necessary forms in student profiles, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.

Crossover Made Easy

For dive stores looking to transition to NovoScuba’s model, the crossover process is designed to be smooth and hassle-free. NovoScuba provides support to ensure that the transition is as seamless as possible, helping dive store owners integrate into the new system with minimal disruption. Experienced dive Pros don’t need to undergo extensive retraining. Our crossover is designed to familiarise Pros with NovoScuba’s user-friendly platform, standards and course structures, and not to waste time and expense re-training in water.

With just a few simple steps, you’ll be ready to offer top-notch training through NovoScuba.

Comprehensive Business Support and Training Included in Your Membership

NovoScuba goes beyond financial benefits by offering experienced support and training. This value added service includes:

Business Training: Optimise your operations with guidance on marketing, customer service, and best practices.
Marketing and Promotion: Access resources to attract new customers and boost your store’s visibility. Enjoy cross promotions with NovoScuba to gain increased exposure.
Ongoing Support: NovoScuba’s commitment to its partners extends beyond initial training and setup. The company offers ongoing support to address any issues or questions that arise. This continuous support ensures that dive store owners have a reliable resource to turn to whenever they need assistance.

underwater videography course

Embracing Digital Natives: Instant Evolution and Continuous Improvement

NovoScuba’s digital-native approach is a game-changer. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure our services evolve and improve swiftly. Dive stores benefit from instant updates, the latest features, enhancements, and effective solutions, keeping them ahead of the curve. This continuous improvement helps dive stores stay competitive and deliver exceptional services. Whether it’s a new course update, additional marketing resources, or improved e-learning functions, NovoScuba’s digital infrastructure ensures that dive stores are always equipped with the most current and effective solutions. This continuous evolution not only helps dive stores stay ahead in a competitive market but also ensures they consistently provide top-quality services to their clients.

Why Is NovoScuba Doing This? – Fair Profit Sharing for Greater Access and Growth

At NovoScuba, we’ve taken a bold step by paying commissions to stores rather than following the traditional model of training agencies charging high fees. Our mission is to make diving accessible to everyone and to foster a growing community of new divers and continued education. By redistributing profits more equitably between stores and training agencies, we aim to create a more supportive and collaborative environment within the industry. We believe this approach not only helps individual stores thrive but also stimulates overall growth and innovation in diving. Our commitment to fair profit sharing reflects our dedication to the long-term health and expansion of the diving community.

Everyone is getting a piece of the pie.

Getting Started: Join the NovoScuba Revolution

Ready to revolutionise your dive store experience? NovoScuba is here to support your journey toward reduced costs, increased profitability, and enhanced operational efficiency. Get in touch with our team to learn how NovoScuba can transform your business.

For more information, email info@novoscuba.com or visit www.novoscuba.academy.